Wigan 24 Hull FC 10

Warriors shut Hull out in second half to record win in first ever Super League game outside of Europe

Liam Marshall (2), Ryan Sutton and Ben Flower with Wigan’s tries

SUMMARY

Wigan reigned supreme in Wollongong after shutting out Hull FC in the second half to create history and win the first ever Super League game outside of Europe.

The Warriors, hosting Hull on the first game of the Club’s 2018 tour of New South Wales, led 10-0 inside 12 minutes after two identical Liam Marshall tries on the left wing. The Black and Whites hit back through Fetuli Talanoa (24) and then Jordan Abdull (34) to level things up at 10-10. A 40-metre penalty goal from Sam Tomkins just before the break saw Wigan go in leading 12-10.

Another strong start saw Wigan edge further in front as Ryan Sutton barged over five minutes in. Hull threatened a fightback but good Wigan defence kept them at bay and they were rewarded ten minutes from time when Ben Flower’s try sealed the win.

TEAM NEWS

Wigan made one change to the team that eased past Salford last time out with captain Sean O’Loughlin returning in place of Frank-Paul Nuuausala.

The Black and Whites of Hull welcomed Liam Watts and Danny Washbrook back in place of Jansin Turgut and Masimbaashe Matongo.

FIRST HALF

With John Cleary Hill suitable busy and WIN Stadium looking fine drowned in the late evening Wollongong sun the teams went toe to toe.

Wigan struck first as George Williams put Liam Farrell through a gap who fed Liam Marshall out on the left wing to score. Sam Tomkins’ boot making it 6-0.

Marshall soon had his double as Williams again pulled the strings, Oliver Gildart made the break and the Wigan winger was in again. Wigan’s left-side attack looking in fine fettle.

Lee Radford’s side were in danger of being three tries down early on but Wigan were unable to capitalise on good field position.

Wigan’s left side had enjoyed a great start and it was Hull’s left side that replied as Fetuli Talanoa’s acrobatic finish put his side on the scoreboard.

Marshall nearly had his hat-trick on the half-hour but his effort to get to George Williams’ low kick was just unsuccessful.

Hull were level five minutes before the break as a mix-up involving Marshall and Morgan Escaré allowed Jordan Abdull an easy touchdown. Sneyd’s conversion from in front making it 10-10.

With half-time looming Wigan won a penalty 40-metres out for a ball steal by Liam Watts and Tomkins put the penalty goal over, Wigan 12-10 ahead at the break.

HALF TIME: Wigan Warriors 12-10 Hull FC

SECOND HALF

Having started the first half so well Wigan did exactly the same in the second as following a penalty for lying-on the Warriors went right and Ryan Sutton barged over from close range.

Lee Radford’s side were not for going away and good pressure forced a drop-out on the hour mark.

Wigan’s defence was up to the task though and the Warriors went down the other end and had the fans in the South Stand on their feet as Ben Flower crashed over. Sam Tomkins’ fourth goal of the night gave the Warriors a 24-10 lead and the game was pretty much done and dusted.

Hull finished the game with no subs remaining owing to injuries and both sides finished with 12 men on the field after Sam Tomkins and Josh Griffin were sent off for an altercation off the ball

Morgan Escaré looked for a late drop-goal but his attempt ricocheted off a Hull player and Dan Sarginson reacted fastest but his try was ruled out for being offside at the initial kick.